Evaluation of the cryosurgery for treatment of squamous cell carcinoma in cats

Abstract

The cryosurgery is a very useful therapy for the treatment of a variety of neoplastic and non-neoplastic processes. Nevertheless, it is still poorly described as an option for the treatment of specific cutaneous neoplasms, such as squamous cell carcinoma. The purpose of the present study was to analyze the clinical response of cryosurgery for the treatment of squamous cell carcinoma in cats. For this 13 squamous cell carcinoma lesions were selected in 11 cats, diagnosed through citopathological and/or histopathological examinations. The lesions were frozen using liquid nitrogen spray, and the evaluations were performed in the moment of freeze and approximately every 15 days until the wound was completely healed. The response of cryosurgery was considered complete with tumoral remission on 38.5% of the cats, and partial on 46.1%. The main complications included crusting and nostril stenosis. The presented results suggested that cryosurgery is effective and may be a viable option for the treatment of squamous cell carcinoma in cats. The effectiveness of the therapy; however, depends on the correct selection of the candidates for cryosurgery based on the lesion size, and the attendance to some criteria, such as the freezing time and post-operative care.

Long‐term management of multifocal, facially oriented squamous cell carcinoma in an American Yorkshire pig with intralesional bleomycin electrochemotherapy, CO2 laser surgery and cryosurgery

“…Recent studies have shown an 80%-83% remission rate in cats with cutaneous SCC lesions that were treated with primarily cryosurgery. 9,10 After one treatment, all lesions of the ear and eyelid were in remission as well as 70% of nasal planum lesions. 9 Laser surgery (via CO 2 ) serves as another alternative technique for treatment of tumours.…”

“…Scheduled follow‐up care, with less invasive techniques, is needed to prevent metastasis and to keep disease at bay. Recent studies have shown an 80%–83% remission rate in cats with cutaneous SCC lesions that were treated with primarily cryosurgery 9,10 . After one treatment, all lesions of the ear and eyelid were in remission as well as 70% of nasal planum lesions 9 .…”